Meade 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 SC instruction manual Contents

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CONTENTS

Introduction

The most sophisticated and easiest

to use telescope ever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Getting Started

Assembling the Telescope and using LightSwitch Assembling the tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Mounting the tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Installing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Using an AC Adapter or DC Power Cord . . . . . . . . .6 Attaching Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Telescope is now Fully Assembled . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Powering up the Telescope - LightSwitch Technology™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

AutoStar III Handbox – Basic Usage

Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Navigating the Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Changing Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Menu Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Scope Info Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Sky Map Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

LS Key Features

Telescope

Key Features identified on the Telescope . . . . . . . . 11 Key Features Explained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Using the Red-Dot Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Adjusting the Red-Dot Finder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Optional MEADE® Accessories

Choosing Eyepieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Meade Series 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces . . . . .16 Meade Series 5000 Premium Eyepieces . . . . . . . .17 Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Imagers and related Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

AutoStar III Handbox

Buttons, Display and their functions . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Menu Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Guided Tour Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Object Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Event Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Take Picture Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Utilities Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Setup Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Advanced LS Features

Two Star Alt Az Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 One Star Alt Az Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Finding objects not in the database . . . . . . . . . . . .30

®The name “Meade,” “AutoStar”, “LightSwitch” and the Meade logo are trademarks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in principal countries throughout the world. “SmartFinder”, “Deep Sky Imager”, “LS”, and “Tonight’s Best” are trademarks of Meade Instruments Corporation.

Patents:

US 7,277,223, US 7,079,317, US 7,092,156 US 6,304,376, US 7,221,527, US 6,922,283 US 6,392,799

© 2009 Meade Instruments Corporation.

Landmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Observing Satellites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Terrestrial Observing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Maintenance

Basic Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Collimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Inspecting the Optics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Gauging the Movement of the Telescope . . . . . . . .35 Updating Your LS Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 SD Card for Updates and Image Storage . . . . . . . .36

Meade Customer Service

How to get in contact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Appendix A:

Training the Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Appendix B:

Creating User Objects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Appendix C:

Basic Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Specifications

LS-6 ACF: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

LS-6 SC: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 LS-8 ACF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 LS-8 SC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Declarations

FCC: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

WEEE:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Meade Warranty

One Year Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

BATTERY SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:

•Always purchase the correct size and grade of battery:

8 x “C-type” Alkaline batteries (ANSI 14A, 14AC/ IEC LR14).

•Always replace the whole set of batteries at one time, taking care not to mix old and new ones, or batteries of different types.

•Clean the battery contacts and also those of the device prior to battery installation.

•Ensure the batteries are installed correctly with regard to polarity (+ and -).

•Remove batteries from equipment which is not to be used for an extended period of time.

•Remove used batteries promptly.

•Never attempt to recharge primary batteries as this may cause leakage, fire, or explosion.

•Never short-circuit batteries as this may lead to high temperatures, leakage, or explosion.

•Never heat batteries in order to revive them.

•Remember to switch off devices after use.

•Keep batteries out of the reach of children; small batteries may be ingested.

•Seek medical advice immediately if a battery has

been swallowed.

Caution: If batteries or parts are swallowed, see a doctor immediately.

INDEX

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Contents LS-6 ACF / 6 LS-6 SC Index Contents Introduction LS-6 and LS-8 LightSwitch TelescopesLock-Knob StartedGetting Started Assembling the TripodMounting the Telescope Installing the BatteriesUsing an AC Adapter or DC Power Cord Power PortYour Telescope is now Fully Assembled Attaching AccessoriesSpeed 5 Medium Speed 1 Slow Mode KeyAutostar III Handbox Basic Usage Navigating the MenusKey Functions Shortcuts Menu ModeScope Info Mode Sky Map ModeLS KEY Features LS KeyfeaturesLS KEY Features Eyepiece Holder USB-A Connector for future expansionLS KEY Features Using the Red-Dot Finder Adjusting the Red-Dot Finder Series 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces Optional AccessoriesChoosing Eyepieces Series 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces are excellentOptional Accessories Deep Sky Imagers DSI Power SuppliesImagers and Accessories Focal ReducersTour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a Button Autostar III HandboxAutostar III Handbox Slew Speeds Observing Considerations Orion Nebula M42Autostar III Menu Tree TreeObject Menu Guided Tour MenuTake Picture Enter Event MenuTake Picture Menu Pleiades Star Cluster M45Utilities Menu Setup Menu Autostar III Menu Options Advanced LS Features Advanced LSTwo Star Alt Az Alignment To enter coordinates of an object into the Telescope Alt/Az 1 Star AlignmentFinding Objects Not in the Database LandmarksTo view a landmark in the database Observing SatellitesCapitol Reef, Utah Terrestrial ObservingMaintenance MaintenanceCollimation Collimation Screws Inspecting the Optics Gauging the Movement of the TelescopeUpdating Your LS Firmware LS Mini SD Card for Updates and Image Storage Customer ServiceAppendix a DriveCreating User Objects and Tours Appendix BBasic Astronomy Appendix CObjects in Space Deep-Sky Objects Specifications SpecificationsModel and Product Number LS-6 SC # Optical System Model and Product Number 8LS-8 ACF # Optical System Model and Product Number LS-8 SC # Optical System Appendix E DOC FCCRecycling Information RecyclingMeade Limited Warranty

6" LS-6 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC specifications

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes represent cutting-edge advancements in amateur astronomy, catering to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. Each model incorporates innovative technologies, making it easier than ever to explore the cosmos.

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC (Schmidt-Cassegrain) features a compact design with an 8-inch aperture that provides exceptional light-gathering capabilities. This telescope utilizes an advanced computer-controlled system known as the AutoStar II. This technology allows for hassle-free navigation across the night sky. The LS-8 SC comes equipped with a built-in observatory, ensuring a user-friendly experience, allowing beginners to locate and track celestial objects with ease. The telescope's premium optics guarantee sharp, high-contrast images, making it an ideal choice for planetary and deep-sky observation.

Next, the Meade 6" LS-6 ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) delivers superior optical performance with minimal distortion. This design eliminates spherical aberrations, providing exceptionally sharp images across the entire field of view. Featuring a 6-inch aperture, the LS-6 ACF is highly portable and perfect for both visual observations and astrophotography. It includes the AutoStar computer system for easy alignment and tracking, as well as a robust, sturdy mount that enhances stability during viewing sessions.

The 8" LS-8 ACF builds on the strengths of its predecessors with an even larger aperture, ensuring maximum light-gathering potential for serious observers. The improved ACF optics yield crisp images without the common off-axis distortions seen in traditional designs. This telescope is also equipped with hassle-free setup features, allowing users to spend more time observing and less time setting up. The OTA design and mount are tailored for easy transport, making it a favorite for astrophotographers seeking high-quality celestial imagery.

Finally, the Meade 6" LS-6 SC offers a balanced option for those seeking portability without sacrificing optical quality. Like its larger counterpart, the LS-6 SC is designed for ease of use and includes the AutoStar technology for automated tracking. Its compact design and lightweight build make it convenient for travel, while still providing an impressive 6-inch aperture for celestial viewing.

In summary, the Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes exemplify the intersection of portability, usability, and advanced optics. Each telescope supports astronomers of all skill levels, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone. Whether you're observing planets, nebulae, or star clusters, Meade’s innovative technologies enhance the overall experience, ensuring that the night sky is within reach.
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